What was the purpose of the Winnipeg general strike?

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, workers in the building and metal trades negotiated with their managers for job improvements. They wanted the right to collective bargaining, better wages and better working conditions. Workers staged several strikes in early May 1919.

What were the most significant causes of the Winnipeg general strike?

There were many background causes for the strike, most of them related to the prevailing social inequalities and the impoverished condition of the city’s working class. Wages were low, prices were rising, employment was unstable, immigrants faced discrimination, housing and health conditions were poor.

What is meant by the term general strike?

General strike, stoppage of work by a substantial proportion of workers in a number of industries in an organized endeavour to achieve economic or political objectives. A strike covering only one industry cannot properly be called a general strike.

What was the reason for the general strike?

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) called the strike to prevent wage reduction and worsening conditions for coal miners. It took place over nine days, from 4 May until 12 May 1926. Many industries were involved and the strike had wide-reaching effects on people and trade unions.

What was the result of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919?

Between 15 May and 25 June 1919, more than 30,000 workers left their jobs. Factories, shops, transit and city services shut down. The strike resulted in arrests, injuries and the deaths of two protestors. It did not immediately succeed in empowering workers and improving job conditions.

What was the largest general strike in Canadian history?

The Canadian Encyclopedia, s.v. “Winnipeg General Strike of 1919”, Last Edited May 14, 2019, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/winnipeg-general-strike The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was the largest strike in Canadian history. Between 15 May and 25 June 1919, more than 30,000 workers left their jobs.

What was the role of the strike committee in Winnipeg?

Its members were elected from each of the unions linked to the WTLC. The strike committee bargained with employers on behalf of the workers. It also ensured that essential services continued in Winnipeg. The Citizens’ Committee of 1,000 quickly formed to organize opposition to the strike.

Why was the Winnipeg general strike called Bloody Saturday?

Bloody Saturday On June 21, which came to be known as Bloody Saturday, strikers pushed over and set fire to a streetcar. Authorities shut down the strikers’ paper, the Western Labour News, and arrested its editors. On June 26, afraid of more violence, the strike leaders called off the strike.